State auditor calls for overhaul to Wash. Parish Sheriff's Office credit card use

Current administration says safeguards implemented

UPDATED 4:25 PM CST Dec 11, 2012

BOGALUSA, La. -

A review by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor has resulted in recommendations to overhaul the way the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office conducts financial business.

The suggestions came after the new sheriff, Randy Seal, asked for an assessment of the office he took over this year.

Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera noted in his report that the study did not rise to the level of detail included in a full audit. Still, he said his office would monitor the resolution of the issues of concern it identified.

Those issues include lack of effective control over credit cards belonging to the department and lack of proper contract management.

Additionally, the report addresses budget matters and a general fund deficit in the sheriff's office exceeding $700,000.

Seal in November told WDSU News he discovered his office was "completely bankrupt" after he brought in a team of independent experts to study the books.

The Legislative Auditor's report addresses many of the concerns raised by Seal, including purchasing practices under the previous administration.

According to the report: During the six-month period prior to leaving office (from January 10, 2012, to June 12, 2012), the former Sheriff may have improperly used his WPSO credit card to make 45 purchases totaling $1,283 at local restaurants.

The report notes that former Sheriff Robert Crowe defended the use of the department credit card and insisted that it was not used for any personal purchases. He said the card was used periodically to pay the lunch bill for residents as a means of public relations.

The report explains that its authors could not determine the "business necessity" of the expenditures in question.

The report also determined some fringe benefits provided to the former sheriff and another department manager were not reported to the IRS.

Seal told the auditor's office in a response that steps have been taken to change department policy and procedure. They include new controls on credit card use and a review of third party contracts.

Regarding the budget deficit, Seal said his office was working to develop a plan to balance the budget and eliminate the red ink. The response indicated that effort would be ongoing.

The report from Purpera's office was completed in November, but just now made public.

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